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Friday, October 13, 2017

Frangipani

Stunning frangipani!

Who doesn’t love frangipanis? This stunning tropical flower carries a beautiful floral scent, which many of us link to summer, and is the perfect plant to grown in Australia. There are a variety of ways you can plant a frangipani including potting, bedding or planting alone as a feature in your garden. They thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from plenty of sun.

Bougainvillea

Beautiful bougainvillaea

Love a bit of colour in your garden? Then perhaps you should think about brightening things up with some Bougainvillaea? This is the perfect spring and summer plant that benefits from sun, so be sure to plant it somewhere that attracts a lot of light. Bougainvillaea looks beautiful when grown on trellises or around an arch.

Gardenia

Delicate and light

You can’t go past gardenia if you’re searching for the perfect garden flower. This beautiful species can require a lot of attention, but it’s all worth it for the stunning display of gorgeous white flowers. They offer a lovely aroma and grow best in the warmer months, from November to May.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a great choice!

Rosemary is a great plant to grow if you’re one for multi-tasking. This Mediterranean herb gives off a delightful smell, and once grown, can be picked to use in a variety of dishes. The best thing about rosemary is that it can grow in poor soil conditions and will thrive on very little water. If you’re searching for a new herb to add to your garden that requires little care, choose rosemary!

Roses

Bright roses

It’s no surprise that roses are one of the most popular flowers in Australia. These beautiful plants come in a never-ending variety of different colours and species, and can bloom from spring, all the way through to autumn. Surprisingly, roses are pretty hardy and require little maintenance, however it is always important to give them a good prune after every bloom.

So that’s your garden brightened up, but what about your home? If you’re keen to add a splash of natural colour to your living room or kitchen, we suggest visiting your local florists who can work magic with flowers!

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

There's nothing the fashion world loves more than doling out directions and issuing edicts. “This is in.” “This is out.” “This is cool.” “This is hideous.” “This will make you look like a style superstar.” “This will make you look like a total fashion disaster.”

It's enough to make your head spin. Lesser men have collapsed under the pressure. And the worst part about it all is that half of those pesky proclamations are based purely on transient trends instead of truly timeless style. What's the point of following a fad if it's going to fall out of favour in a month or – even worse – if it doesn't actually look good on you?

It's a cardinal style sin we've all been guilty of at least once: dressing to suit what's in style, but not what actually suits you. Your clothes should flatter your body shape, your skin tone, your hairstyle, your eye colour and your personality. A great wardrobe is a mix of classic pieces and current trends, all personalised to be uniquely you. Knowing how to dress for your body type – and which styles to avoid – is the first step to owning your personal style.

Know your body type

Male bodies may lack the curves of female bodies, and therefore have significantly less variation, but that doesn't mean differences don't exist. Think about how often you hear fashion gurus talk about the importance of fit. An expensive garment that isn't right for your body will look bad no matter how much money you dropped on it, and an inexpensive piece will look like a million bucks if the fit is right. The key to it all is identifying your body shape and learning how to enhance it. Most men fit into one of these five body type categories:

1. The Heavy Lifter

His chest and shoulders are broad, but his hips and waist are narrower. There is a significant difference between top and bottom, with a wide upper body and a smaller lower body, that is frequently the result of regular "get massive" workouts.

2. The Athlete

Picture those incredibly fit Olympic chaps. The Athlete is broad across the chest and shoulders, and narrow in the waist and hips

3. The Block Man

Gets his name because his torso takes the shape of a rectangle, with little difference between the width of his chest/shoulders and the width of his waist/hips.

4. The Happy Eater

If the Heavy Lifter is an inverted triangle, the Happy Eater turns the triangle right-side up. His chest and shoulders are narrower than his waist and hips, making his lower half appear larger than the upper.

5. The Cuddly Teddy Bear

You know exactly what this guy looks like. The Cuddly Teddy Bear is round and huggable, frequently with narrower shoulders and slim legs. This is probably where we're all headed eventually, so it's a shape worth understanding even if it's not you yet.

How to dress

The Heavy Lifter

As a Heavy Lifter, your large frame is somewhat imbalanced. Your wider upper torso and narrower lower half can be evened out by your wardrobe. The goal is to draw attention to your hips while reducing attention to your upper chest. Focus on pulling the eyes downwards, avoiding bulk on the upper body, and adding a little extra to your legs. FYI – Gerard Butler is a great example of this body type. Sparta!

Put the focus on the right places. V-necks narrow the chest and draw the eye down. Stripes across the stomach and detailing around the hips (think belts or pockets) also help emphasise the parts that need it.

Go graphic. Simple graphic prints and logos will get attention, taking it away from your more substantial upper chest. Any kind of details, prints, or eye-catching colours on the shoulders, on the other hand, will draw the eyes to the wrong area.

Scratch the skinny stuff. Skinny leg cuts will make the top half of your body appear even wider. Try straight or more relaxed slim cuts instead, to balance out your proportions. You can also use statement trousers to lure the eye away from your broad shoulders. If you can, go for tapered jeans.

Expert tip from Godwin Hili (director, Godwin Charli)

You probably enjoy wearing most garments close to the body however, tailored garments can look pretty silly if worn too small. This is not to say a Slim Fitting or European fit is out of the question. You just need to accept that most read-to-wear brands will not accommodate this shape off the rack. Similar to the 'Athlete', it's crucial to fit the shoulders and chest and accept that the waist and/or hips will need to be narrowed. This allows for more accurate sculpting of the back region and accentuating of the smaller waist. A schoolboy error is to find a garment that fits your small waist because you like how 'tight' it feels, only to bust out in the chest and awkwardly split the seat of a pant.

The Athlete

Good news for you, Athlete types: you're the fit bastards that make everyone else seethe with jealousy. Because your upper and lower body are already well balanced, your shape is much easier to dress than others. You can play with colours and cuts without having to worry much about whether or not everything is properly in proportion. Football players and athletes are a good example for this body type.

Be daring. Take advantage of the gifts Mother Nature gave you and experiment with your wardrobe. Your body was made for making a statement, so don't be afraid to take risks (as long as you still feel comfortable in your clothes).

Prints and colours were practically made for you. There's no need to be conservative unless the occasion demands it. Bold colours, prints and patterns are just as well suited to your body shape as solid colour basics.

Play around with other things. If you don't have to worry about your body type, you're free to explore other interesting ways to spruce up your wardrobe. Try out new trends, take new cuts for a test drive, investigate new textures and fabric combinations, and work on understanding how to flatter other things – your complexion, your hair cut and colour, etc – instead.

Godwin's expert tip

Lucky you. Sometimes referred to as an 'inverted triangle' shape because of the obviously smaller waist in comparison to the upper body, it's imperative that a jacket fits you across the shoulders and chest. A slim fit or European fit is a good starting point for this body type. Unless the garment has been made-to-measure, the waist and hips of the jacket must be narrowed to accentuate this physique by taking it in. Trousers should be tailored without being too slim and shirts should be a slim fit or contain darts. It's all about getting the proportions and balance correct, to avoid looking like you will topple over.

The Block Man

For the Block Man, the primary aim is to add shape where there isn't much to begin with. There's only so much you can do to physically alter your body, but wearing the right kind of clothing can do wonders for creating the illusion of having a different body type. When dressing, a little style sleight-of-hand will make your shoulders seem wider while making your lower torso appear narrower.

Choose your prints carefully. A print that imitates your rectangular shape – like a geometric pattern – will emphasise the issue you're trying to correct. Well placed prints or colour, however, can be an effective way to enhance the upper portion of your body.

Layer thoughtfully. Adding clothing is the easiest way to add bulk to your body. Shirts, knitwear and scarves can be used to widen the chest and shoulders while narrowing your lower torso.

Use structure. Here's your chance to put shoulder pads to good use. Structured blazers and jackets add the extra weight your shoulders need. For bonus points, have a tailor take the sides in or thin the jacket's arms.

Godwin's expert tip

Its important here to clearly define your upper and lower body components. Clever tailoring can achieve a more sculptured look. Look for a tailored jacket with a more padded shoulder to give the impression of broader shoulders. Ensure that the sleeve width of the jacket is narrow as well as the area between the under arm and waist. Your goal should be to create the illusion of shape throughout the upper body.

The Happy Eater

Again, your wardrobe is your opportunity to correct the imbalances in your natural body shape. For Happy Eaters, that means wearing clothing that adds some substance to a sloping shoulder line and smaller chest. What you wear should reduce the effect of a lower half that appears wider than your upper body. Streamlined cuts and flattering colours are important for you.

Enhance and emphasise your shoulders. Steer clear of polo necks and narrow crew-necks because they decrease shoulder with, and opt for structured tailored blazers and jackets instead. Single-breasted and button-down styles will also help streamline your torso.

Don't put the focus on your stomach. Horizontal stripes across the stomach are a definite no, as is any kind of outerwear with details (like pockets) that draw attention to the stomach area. Dark colours will look best on your triangular shape.

Give your lower body a little more heft. Wear trousers with a straighter leg. Skinny or heavily tapered trousers will widen the central part of your body, which is exactly the opposite effect you're going for.

Godwin's expert tip

Keep it structured and tailored through the upper body. Neglecting this will only emphasis your mid section and you don't want that. Accompany this with straight leg trousers to balance out the look. Have fun in winter layering with simple knitwear underneath blazers and coats, giving the impression of a broader chest and shoulder region.

The Cuddly Teddy Bear

As a Cuddly Teddy Bear, the majority of your mass is concentrated at the centre of your body, making your arms, shoulders and legs look disproportionately slim. To make your body appear more defined, you must add shape to your shoulders and wear clothing that appears to lengthen your torso. Beware of anything that shortens you in any way.

Stripes are your friends (sometimes). Vertical stripes and pinstripes will instantly lengthen your body, but horizontal stripes will make you appear rounder.

Don't draw attention to your waist (or lack thereof). Any kind of statement belt will attract attention to your waist and highlight your widest point. A printed or textured piece in a darker hue is a better way to add flattering interest to an outfit.

Length and fit are hugely important. Be sure that your sleeves and trousers are the correct length and fit well. They should add shape and definition to your body without making your limbs appear shorter.

Godwin's expert tip

It's a common mistake to give up on tailored clothing and wear oversized pieces. Focus on comfort with a tailored edge. In other words, the garments should fit well across the shoulders, not be too roomy through the sleeve and underarm, and not be too tight across the waist region or lower half of the body. Avoid jackets that are short, ensuring a longer front balance. Again, its all about balance and drawing the eye away from the belly region.

Monday, August 7, 2017

Who would your girlfriend want present at your marriage proposal? Just the two of you, her family and best friends, or perhaps a cheering crowd? Really consider who she would want participating in your celebration. If involving family, holidays are fun; however, you might be competing with the busy holiday schedules. There is always the option of an intimate setting for the both of you, followed by a surprise engagement party with family and friends.

2. CONSIDER WHETHER SHE PREFERS A PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PROPOSAL:

On a whole, most women prefer a proposal to take place in a private or semi-private setting. Just because you are a sports fanatic does not mean her idea of a proposal is at a Giants game facing an enormous crowd. If she loves the spotlight, is a die-hard fan, paints her face and never misses a single game, then go for it!

3. CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION WISELY BUT DON”T LET IT BLOCK CREATIVITY:

The location sets the mood. Choose a place significant in your relationship or one you can incorporate favorite memories together. However, do not get so caught up in the location that it stops you from thinking creatively. Start with “how” you’re going to propose rather than “where” you’re popping the question and the possibilities will increase ten fold.

For example, if you want to take her to a Broadway musical, think bigger than proposing on stage. One of our proposal clients used the musical’s playbill to ask his girlfriend to marry him with a photo and description of her inside; he explained all her “star” qualities as she was greeted with roses from strangers outside the theater.

4. KEEP IT A SURPRISE

If you aren’t typically “romantic,” don’t plan a special date out of the blue. She’ll have an appointment to get her nails done within the hour because it’s so obvious. Instead use her friend as a decoy so she is genuinely surprised.

5. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS:

Do not neglect the small details; they are the icing on the cake! Make your proposal about HER by incorporating HER favorite things and/or what SHE enjoys doing most with you. In other words, the only way to pop the question is to personalize the proposal to your relationship. Integrate specific moments that she wouldn’t expect you to remember, such what she ordered on your first date, and you’ll leave her on cloud nine.

6. GET A FEMALE’S PERSPECTIVE:

Share your proposal idea and get a female’s opinion. Consult her friend, sister, mom, etc. If you are nervous a close friend or family member may spoil the surprise, this is where a proposal planner comes in handy.

7. HIRE A PROPOSAL PLANNER:

Your proposal planner will be your best friend. She’ll help you avoid common proposal day anxiety because you’ll be confident that your plans are being executed flawlessly behind the scenes. If your girlfriend is running late, your proposal planner will make the calls and adjustments so you remain present and enjoy the special day. Your future fiancée will be grateful you hired a planner and made the effort to give her an unparalleled memory.

8. CAPTURE THE PROPOSAL:

It’s simple. It’s one of the most important moments in your life so get it on film, camera or better, both! Plus, your girlfriend probably won’t remember half of the amazing things you say. If it’s on film you just have to click play.

9. KEEP YOUR PROPOSAL SPEECH SHORT AND SWEET:

Don’t place too much pressure on your proposal speech. Write a list of all the things you love about her and why you want her to be your wife. Choose a few to explain during your speech and save that list for her to read later. Extra points for you there!

10. USE YOUR PERSONAL RESOUCES:

You just spent a pretty penny on the engagement ring so use your personal resources. For example, do you have a friend that does professional videography or can put together an awesome photomontage? Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family to help you with small projects for the proposal that will ultimately save you money.

THE DONT'S

1. THROW OUT CLICHE PROPOSAL IDEAS

To be blunt, automatically rule out proposals via jumbotrons, fortune cookies, and over a “nice” dinner. If you are unsure on how to propose to your girlfriend, don’t settle because you would rather down play it than risk something going array. With a little thought and planning, you will go beyond the cliché ideas. If you get stuck, consult her girlfriends, mom, or a proposal planner.

2. DON”T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

Don’t wait until the week before to start thinking about your marriage proposal ideas. Sure it can be done but it takes away from the special touches you COULD have included had you allotted yourself time to plan and prepare. If you don’t have a plan in place, and decide to wing it, chances are you will get flustered. You only do this once and she’s worth the effort.

3. DON’T MAKE IT ALL ABOUT YOU

Unfortunately we get wind of proposal stories where the guy implements what he thinks is cool rather than what she would appreciate. Think about her personality, her love language, her dreams, and you’ll start to cater the proposal to her desires rather than your own. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone just a bit.

4. DON”T ACT OUT OF CHARACTER:

When you start feeling overwhelmed or acting anxious around her, it’s time to enlist some help. You are keeping a big secret from the one person you usually tell everything to; therefore discuss the proposal with someone who can be your voice of reason and prevent you from blowing the surprise. Many women figure out it’s coming not because they are snooping around but their boyfriend starts acting differently.

We hope all you fiancés-to-be feel more prepared and excited to begin planning your proposal.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

How Tea Dresses Add Simple Elegance to Your Hectic Day

When you add tea dresses to your wardrobe, you give yourself a gift that enhances your whole life and lets The Elegant You shine. Days are long, and they’re filled with chores, work and a million other tasks that take up your energy. Recharge, and look great doing it. Read on to see how simple and beautiful dresses add elegance to your daily life.

Tea Dresses are Simply Simple

You don’t need to have frills, high heels, jewelry or an up-do. Now, that’s not to say that you can’t add those features to your ensemble, but beautiful, comfortable tea party dresses for women need none of those things.

During summer, the hot days can drag by. Whether you’re working in an office, or getting messy in the garden, taking an hour for afternoon tea is a great way to reconnect with yourself. A tea dress is a great way to make that connection enjoyable. It’s just not the same when you plunk down on a couch in your work clothes to escape into a short moment’s rest. Taking time to change clothes, and enjoying the dress you choose, turns your afternoon break into a truly relaxing experience.

Tea dresses are perfect, especially in the summer. They are light and breathable, loose fitting and easy to wear. While lighter colors traditionally rule this roost, modern vibrant colors are making their way onto the scene. In the cooler months, a simple, classic cardigan in a neutral color will usually go with most dresses and give you a sense of cosiness in your outfit.

So, head to your closet, quickly change into a dress that makes you look great, or feel great (or both!) and enjoy a quiet setting in your pretty outfit. Wearing tea length dresses is the wardrobe equivalent of stopping to smell the roses. Yes, jeans and a t-shirt are comfortable, too, but they’re not elegant. You can skip the dressing nicely option, but you’ll miss the whole point of afternoon teatime elegance.

“When you add afternoon tea dresses to your wardrobe, you give yourself a gift that enhances your whole life and lets the elegant you shine.”

Dressing for Tea Allows Room for Creativity

There is no hard and fast rule on what makes, and what does not make, a good afternoon-tea dress. This lets you have freedom to express your personality in your choices. Gone are the days when afternoon teatime held a strict dress code and every invitee also needed a parasol. These days, you can make your outfit style all your own.

If you choose to take your teatime to the next level and turn the event into a tea party, the opportunity for creativity is even grander. Friends make dress-up time so much more enjoyable. Here are a couple of ideas:

If you’re enjoying green tea or Matcha green tea for your daily time of tranquility, try incorporating the Japanese culture. A kimono-style short dress makes a wonderful selection. Even flowy dresses that feature oriental patterns or colors can help add to the ambiance and enhance your elegance level. Other cultural garb, such as saris from India or togas from Greece should open your eyes to countless opportunities. You can take the theme idea as far as you’d like, there are three hundred and sixty five days a year to try out a new one. The point is to keep your tea dresses pretty, comfortable and fun.

Beauty plus Comfort Equals Elegance

Imagine yourself in a beautiful couture dress. Now, think of how difficult it is to breathe, how hard it is to keep the train clean and how impossible it is to sit down for long periods of time or walk without tripping.

We are not talking about dresses like that. Tea dresses allow you to feel the beauty that comes with comfort, and that’s a pretty profound thing. When you’re comfortable, you’re relaxed and happy. When your comfortable clothes are pretty, things get elegant. The stress melts from your day, any feeling of frumpiness disappears and even bad-hair issues seem less important. You start to see the small, beautiful things that constantly surround you, and you embrace them, all because you choose pretty elegant dresses for your time of respite.

Elegance Spreads to Other Parts of Your Life

After a few weeks of habitual elegance and afternoon teatimes, you’ll start to see the vines of elegance gently twist their ends around different activities you take part in. You’ll even see the elegance start to seep into your décor. Your tea dresses are more than simple fabric, they’re a conduit to your inner elegant goddess. She’s the woman inside you who understands the beauty of existence and strives to make herself a part of it. And, believe it, she’s there.

It doesn’t matter what your personal style is, there are styles for you. Take advantage of flowers! Even the simplest dresses benefit from a few well-placed blooms and fresh leaves.

The Edgy Girl: Tea party is not the same as prim and proper. Dark colors are acceptable for modern tea dresses. So are short cuts, fringe and metal bedazzlement.

The Professional: No, your suit does not count as a tea party dress. But, please keep the pencil skirts and low heels.

The Busy Mamma: Here’s your chance to enjoy something that’s just for you. Keep your afternoon tea attire separate from the rest of your wardrobe so you won’t associate them at all with chaos. That way, no matter which of your tea dresses you choose, it’s clean, available and wrinkle-free so that you can concentrate on elegance.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

10 Easy Makeup Steps

The pros know how to put on makeup quickly and achieve beautiful results. Their methods may seem a little unconventional to you. In fact, you might be surprised how makeup artists really apply cosmetics. Remember, their methods work quickly while still giving you beautiful results. Try the sequence of makeup tips below and see which makeup techniques will help you in your routine.

Start With Skincare To Create A Base

Before any makeup is applied, a professional makeup artist will cleanse the model’s face – even if the model already did.When you’re learning how to put on makeup you absolutely must do this step. Skincare really is the starting point to smoother skin.

Next, treat puffy swollen eyes. If you have any under eye puffiness then use the quick tips on the puffy swollen eyes page to decrease them immediately.

Make sure to exfoliate lips to make them look smooth and full. Apply lip plumper if needed.

Apply Makeup Primer

This is one of those secret makeup ingredients that will result in a professional makeup look. It’s like placing a smooth layer over your skin. No makeup artist is without one and you won’t be either once you try it. The best makeup advice is this – try several different primers. There’s a big difference in these products and you need to find thebest makeup primer that works for you.

How To Put On Makeup In 10 Steps

1. Cover Scars

Use a high pigment cosmetics concealer and cover scars, acne scars, red discoloration and any dark under eye circles . If you are under the age of 20 then most over the counter products will work for you. If you are dealing with severe discoloration, then a professional product will work better.

2. Apply Foundation

Pour a little foundation into the palm of your hands. Apply it with your fingers just like professional makeup artists do.

3. Eye Shadow

You want to apply it for a natural look or a classic look for every day wear. It only takes one brush and a good eyeshadow or makeup palette to get it perfect.

4. Eyeliner

It’s the real method model’s use. Once you know how to do it the easy way it will enable you to go on to use just about any type of eyeliner product out there.

5. Eyebrows

Not every woman needs to fill in their eyebrows, but if you do then do it now. Eyebrow kits work great, or you can use matte eyeshadow. The choice is yours.

6. Mascara

Apply one coat of mascara and if you want thick beautiful eyelashes then use the technique for applying smudge proof mascara. If you make a mistake don’t worry about it. It’s natural to make mistakes when you are first learning how to put on makeup. If it smears then take a cotton swap dipped in baby oil and remove the dot.

7. Lipstick

Line your lips and fill in with a natural lipstick color. Then apply your lip gloss over the product to make your lips look fuller.

8. Powder

Using sheer powder sets your makeup so it will last longer. Not all makeup requires this. If you need it, use a mineral veil or a yellow makeup powder.

9. Blush

Blush is the last pop of color. The reason it comes last when you are learning how to put on makeup is because this is the one product that many women tend to overdo. You should only need one light swipe of powder blush for daytime wear. Blush is worn over powder unless it is a cream blush. (Cream blush is applied before you powder.) If you find that your blush is too dark, then take your mineral veil and go over the area lightly.

10. Bronzer – The Optional Step

The last step in learning how to put on makeup is optional – bronzers. A very light whisk of bronzer looks great on most women. If you are using it, then keep it light for the most natural look.

Learning how to put on makeup is actually very simple when you know a few professional makeup secrets. Take your time. If you’re totally new to makeup then just use a little mascara and lip gloss. Work the other products into your routine slowly and you’ll find that you’ve got the hang of it in no time at all!

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Understanding the real color of your skin is primarily about discovering your skin’s undertone, which is the key to buying the right foundation shade and creating a flawless makeup look. It’s something top makeup artists can do in their sleep, but we can’t all have a glam squad standing by our side (Wouldn’t that be nice?). But, figuring it out on your own can be easier than you think.

Recommended Products

What is Skin’s Undertone?

When shopping for foundation, you’ve probably heard the terms "cool," "warm," or "neutral" to describe how a shade will look on skin. Those terms refer to your skin’s undertone and are used to determine which foundation shade will match it the best.

Cool, warm, or neutral undertones are the colors that come through your skin from underneath the surface to affect its overall hue. It’s not about how light or dark your skin is; people of all skin colors, from very fair to deep, can have cool, warm, or neutral undertones. Here’s what each of these terms means:

Cool: Hints of bluish, pink, or a ruddy complexion.

Warm: Skin skews yellow, sallow, peachy, or golden.

Neutral: Has no obvious overtones of pink or sallow skin, but rather the skin’s natural color is more evident.

How to Determine Your Skin’s Undertone

There are several ways to determine your skin’s undertone. Start by looking at the inside part of your arm, where the underlying color shows through fairly well. This area is naturally hidden from the sun and, therefore, is not sun damaged or discolored, which is why skin in this area works best to reveal how warm, cool, or neutral your skin really is.

Answering the following questions is also helpful:

Does your skin tan easily and rarely sunburn? If so, you probably lean toward a warm or neutral undertone. If not, there’s a good chance you fall into the cool-toned category. (But we’re all using sunscreen, right?)

Do your veins appear bluish or more deep purple? If the answer is yes, you’re likely in the cool-toned spectrum. If your veins appear greenish, you most likely skew toward the warm-toned. Those with neutral undertones will have difficulty discerning either color—it will just all look neutral.

Do you look better in silver or gold? Personal preferences aside, cool undertones tend to be flattered by silver/platinum; those with warm undertones look better in gold-toned jewelry. Neutral skin tones look equally great in both (lucky you!).

Does your skin look somewhat ashen or gray? You might have the wild card of the bunch—olive skin—which is a combination of the natural neutral, slightly yellow undertone everyone has plus the greenish ashen hue that’s unique to olive skin. Olive skin tone is very specific, but is not neutral, as some tend to call it.

Shopping for Foundation

Now that you’ve determined your skin’s undertone, we must caution you: Using a foundation categorized as your respective "cool" or "warm" skin tone may not always be the most flattering choice. For instance, some foundations labeled cool-toned can end up making skin look overly pink, and those labeled warm can skew toward overly yellow.

The goal is to select neutral foundation shades that have only the slightest hint of your skin’s undertone. You never want your foundation to be too pink or too yellow or too ashen. Our Paula’s Choice Skincare RESIST Anti-Aging Serum Foundation is a great option to try. We formulated it to meet the needs of perfecting skin tone and enhancing your complexion with a soft matte finish.

If you have cool undertones, the foundation should look slightly, and we mean slightly, pinkish in the bottle. If your undertone is warm, then the foundation shade should have a subtle yellow or golden tone, and we mean very, very subtle.

Of course, there are always exceptions. If you have medium to deep skin color with a reddish undertone, there is a likelihood that you will look better with a foundation that has a hint of brownish red (but not copper, orange, or peach).

Purely neutral-toned foundations may seem like a slam-dunk for olive skin, but it’s best to experiment with foundations that have a slightly gold tone to warm up the "green" undertone in your skin.

In the long run, don’t worry too much about it—the final deciding factor is to try the foundation in daylight to see how it looks. It is especially important to look at your jawline after applying—if you see a noticeable line of demarcation between your neck and your face, then the foundation is the wrong color!

This might sound like a lot of work, but it will be worth it, because once you find the right foundation, everything else becomes far easier!